Hakimi reveals why he didn’t enjoy playing with Messi at PSG

Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, has disclosed that Lionel Messi’s arrival at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made him uncomfortable due to changes at the club.

The Argentine great officially joined PSG on August 10, 2021, on a free transfer from Barcelona, following financial challenges at the Spanish club.

He signed a two-year contract with an option to extend, earning €35 million per year.

Speaking about Messi’s arrival, Hakimi revealed that team officials did not inform the squad beforehand, making it a surprise to teammates.

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Hakimi further explained that after Messi joined, the team’s tactics and system were altered to accommodate the multiple Ballon d’Or winner.

"We didn't know Messi was coming at that time. When he arrived, the team's style of play changed," Hakimi said during an interview with The Bridge Show.

However, the Atlas Lions captain admitted that the tactical adjustments did not suit him, causing him to lose interest and feel unhappy.

He noted that aspects of his game he previously enjoyed, such as surging forward to join attacks, were no longer possible under the new system.

"We were playing in different ways. I wasn't enjoying it. I was not doing the things I enjoy doing, like attacking," he added.

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